It's the small things
L.A. has its fair share of neighborhood gyms that offer less and more than big-box fitness centers.
THINK "fitness club" and the first image that comes to mind is some warehouse-sized complex with blaring music and boatloads of shiny equipment. But the Los Angeles area is also peppered with neighborhood gyms and studios offering a different experience -- a more relaxed environment, smaller classes and less of a cookie-cutter approach. Some are posh with trendsetting workouts; others are holes in the wall where you feel as comfortable as if you were in your own living room. Though the city offers great outdoor workouts (the Santa Monica stairs, cycling trails in the mountains), there are times when only a class or equipment will do. Here's a sampling of noteworthy places in Los Angeles -- and just beyond:
Boxing Academy Los Angeles
1335 Willow St.
Los Angeles
(213) 625-0330
boxingacademyla.com
Boxing is quickly becoming the sport that crosses all boundaries, with white- and blue-collar types lacing up the gloves. All types train at Boxing Academy Los Angeles, which offers serious workouts for men and women in a 6,000-square-foot facility boasting two rings, heavy bags, plus a weight room and cardio equipment.
House trainer Jason Haynes says there's camaraderie among the staff of experienced trainers and clients -- men and women, rank beginners and more experienced pugilists. "I've got all kinds of clients," he says. "I've got a dental surgeon, an architect and police officers."
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Silverlake Yoga
2810 1/2 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles
(323) 953-0496
silverlakeyoga.com
Billed as the oldest yoga studio in Silver Lake (12 years in one place), Silverlake Yoga is proud of its friendly, mom-and-pop environment. The studio offers 65 classes a week, including kids' yoga, Pilates, tai chi and prenatal classes taught by co-owner Juliette Kurth, a certified doula. Classes are generally small, with about 10 to 12 participants, but weekend classes can attract twice that number. "We've been here long enough that the entire life cycle of the community passes before our eyes," says co-owner Jonathan Emerson. "Students have gotten married, had babies and now bring their kids in."
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Liberation Yoga
124 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles
(323) 964-5222
liberationyoga.com
